PhD in Luminescence Cooling of Nanomaterials

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PhD in Luminescence Cooling of Nanomaterials

Faculty/Services: Faculty of Science

Educational level: Master

Function type: PhD position

Closing date: 16.10.2023

Vacancy number: 12030

Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research setting and do you want to be active in a collaboration between academia and industry? The Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences is looking for an ambitious PhD student.

Introduction

Nonlinear luminescence of nanocrystals and relevant applications have attracted more and more attention. In order to make it effective for local environmental response to nanoparticle photoactivation, optimization of the nanostructures and the luminescence are required. Previous work by our research group has shown that (non)linear luminescence and associated dynamics can be tailored by structure, composition, and dopants. The project aims to optimize the solar-induced luminescence of nanoparticles and realize its influence on the local environment of nanoparticles. The project is an active collaboration with industry. You will be appointed at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) (Van 't Hof Institute for Molecular Sciences).

What are you going to do?

The main challenge of this new project is to achieve efficient luminescent cooling using nanomaterials. You will design and synthesize novel nanostructures with desired optical properties, characterize the properties of these nanoparticles and study the associated luminescence dynamics. You need to creatively develop special nanostructures and components to achieve the desired effect. The goal is to understand and design luminescence and its impact on the local environment, and to be able to manipulate desired properties of the local environment. You need to determine the best conditions to achieve control over factors such as host, dopant ions, dopant concentration, excitation wavelength, etc. Your creativity, enthusiasm and passion are key to the success of this project. These challenges provide ample opportunities to tune nanostructures, doping patterns, and interactions between nanoparticles and their local environment, which will be guided by computational and spectroscopic studies.

Tasks and responsibilities:

Conducting independent research in nanoparticle synthesis & luminescence, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;

Collaborating with our industrial partners, including reporting and presenting your work to them;

Writing research reports, papers and a PhD thesis;

Presenting your work at national and international conferences;

Actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;

Supervising Bachelor and Master students.

What do you have to offer?

You are a creative thinker who enjoys challenging projects. Ideally you have a background in the synthesis and characterization of rare earth luminescent nanomaterials, spectroscopic methods (e.g. DLS, TEM, absorption, steady-state and time-resolved luminescence) and/or model calculations to evaluate the performance of novel nano-systems.

A chemistry/physics MSc degree with experience of inorganic nanomaterials is required. Applicants with experience/affinity in nano-chemistry and/or nanophysics have a distinct advantage. The ability to collaborate and adapt in an international team is required, so you must have good oral and written communication skills in English.

Your experience and profile:

An MSc degree in chemistry/physics with luminescent nanomaterial;

A passionate researcher, with a creative mind;

Excellent communication skills in oral and written English;

Experience and affinity with physical methods and characterisation techniques of nanomaterials;

Flexible, readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation and multidisciplinary research.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on January 1, 2024, for the duration of four years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to a total duration of four years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and Masters students.

Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from € 2,770.- in the first year to € 3,539.- (scale P) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

A function in which initiative is strongly valued;

An enthusiastic team that welcomes new members;

An inspiring academic and international environment in the heart of Amsterdam;

The project will involve the active participation and close cooperation of industrial partners.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;

Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;

A complete educational program for PhD students;

Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;

Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;

7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;

Partly paid parental leave;

The possibility to set up a workplace at home;

A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;

The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;

Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you're moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry , Computational Chemistry , Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

The Molecular Photonics Group aims to advance the fundamental knowledge of the dynamics of excited states in molecules and nano-sized objects, and to contribute with its expertise to applications of the photosciences.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Dr. Hong Zhang , associate professor

T: +31 20 525 6976

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until October 15, 2023.

Applications should include the following information (in pdf):

A detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;

A letter of motivation;

The names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of September-October.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please

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